Machine Tools

One area of the course looks at machining metal to create products. These machines allow use to produce very accurate shapes which we could never make by hand. Some of the machines can also be controlled by computer to allow lots of identical parts to be made very accurately with little human supervision.

The list below shows all the tools and processes you should know about. If you scroll down further then you can find out more about each of them:

• Centre lathe processes: parallel turning, taper turning (using a compound slide), facing, chamfering, centre drilling and drilling generally, knurling, parting off, use of a 4-jaw chuck (if appropriate)
• Centre lathe tools: lathe cutting tools, knurling tool, parting tool, 3-jaw chuck, 4-jaw chuck, Jacob’s chuck, chuck keys, revolving centres
• Pedestal drill for drilling and countersinking
• Appropriate holding devices: machine vice, hand vice
• Safety equipment

Knowledge of:

• Bench grinders
• Centring of cutting tools
• Milling machines (vertical, horizontal and CNC)
• Industrial cutting processes (including laser and plasma cutters)